FAQ

Below are some of our more frequently asked questions, if you don't see your question below, drop us a line at musclewalk@mdausa.org, and we'll do our best to get you your answer.

Registering

Is there a step-by-step guide to registering?  
Download a step-by-step guide to registering here.

I want to register as a member of a team, but I didn't see my team listed.
Your team captain may not have registered yet. Contact your team captain to see if he or she has registered, or if the team name has changed.

Can I register a family member?
Yes. When you reach the "Registration Details" of the registration process you will see the "Save & Add Another Participant" button at the bottom of the page. If you choose to do so, you should enter that person's contact information, including a unique email address. You can register up to 10 people.

Why did I get an email saying I am registered?
Someone from your team registered you for the walk. See the question below for information on logging into your Muscle Walk Dashboard.

Someone registered me. How do I log into my Dashboard?
If someone registered you and provided your email address, you will get an email indicating that you've been registered for Muscle Walk and providing a link for you to verify your account. Once you've changed your password you can log into your Dashboard and start fundraising.

Who do I contact if I need help with the website?
Please contact musclewalk@mdausa.org for assistance.

Day of the Event

Please note that MDA Muscle Walks are going virtual for 2020. A timeline of the virtual schedule will be published soon.

Does it cost anything to participate in the walk?
Registration for the event is free. We encourage everyone to fundraise, and each walker who raises $100 will get a participant T-shirt. You may also qualify for other great prizes as you continue to fundraise.

How can I get a participant T-shirt?
During your online registration, you will indicate what size t-shirt you would like. Each registered walker who raises a minimum of $100 online will receive a t-shirt. Offline donations (checks, cash, etc…) will be added to your online total 5-7 business days after receipt at our National MDA office.

When will I receive my t-shirt?

• Prior to the event: Each registered walker who raises a minimum of $100 online by July 31 will receive their t-shirt in the mail the week of August 31.
• AFTER THE EVENT: Each registered walker who reaches $100 online after July 31 will receive a shirt approximately 4-6 weeks after the event. Donations must be received no later than 7 days after the event to be eligible for the t-shirt.

Participant Dashboard

A customizable Participant Dashboard is available to each registered participant.

How do I log into my Dashboard?
Click on the "Login" link at the top of the screen. Spaces to enter your email and password will pop up.If you still need assistance, contact the staff member listed on the front page of the event website or email musclewalk@mdausa.org.

Is my username and password the same as last year?
Your username is the email address you registered with. if you don’t remember your password you can reset by clicking on “Forgot Password?” link and you will receive an email with your information.

What do I do if I forgot my password?
You can reset your password at any time. Click on the "Forgot Password?" link and you will receive an email with your information.

What can I do in my Dashboard?

• Make a self-donation. Those who do tend to raise twice as much as those who do not.
• Send emails to family, friends, co-workers or anyone else you would like to ask to donate to your fundraising efforts for MDA Muscle Walk. We've even provided sample emails you can use.
• Update your personal page with your #WhyIWalk story and a photo.
• Upload your personal address book.
• Monitor your fundraising progress and send thank you emails to those who have donated to your fundraising efforts.
• Connect to your Twitch, Mixer or YouTube account to fundraise while live streaming. Don't want to stream - upload a video sharing your story.
• Create your own milestones or incentives to encourage donors to support you. 

Fundraising & Donations

Is there a fundraising minimum?
Registration for the event is free. We encourage everyone to fundraise, and each walker who individually raises $100 will get a participant T-shirt. You may also qualify for other great prizes as you continue to fundraise.

How do I raise money?
Once you register, you'll receive a link to your personal Dashboard, where you can create a customized Web page and send donation requests via email or share your page on social media. MDA staff are ready and willing to help you brainstorm fundraising ideas and events.

Where does the money I raise go?
The dollars we raise together enable MDA to fund research breakthroughs across diseases, care for kids and adults from day one, and empower families with services and support. Visit https://www.mda.org/about-mda/our-impact to learn more.

Does the money I raise help people in my community?
Yes. The funds raised in your local community, including Muscle Walk, help individuals with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases in your community and in hometowns across America. These funds help accelerate research breakthrough, provide state-of-the art care and support and send local kids to the best week of their year at MDA Summer Camp.

How do I donate to someone online?
To make an online donation, follow these steps: 1) Click the "Donate" button in the center of the page under the banner 2) Search for the person you want to support by name; 3) Select donate next to the person's name you’d like to support

To whom do I make checks payable? 
Make checks payable to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

How do I turn in money/checks/donations?
It is preferred that you send in the offline donation form and your donations to the National MDA office when you receive them so MDA can post your donations to your personal page within five days of receipt. You may also bring the form and donations with you to the event. Email musclewalk@mdausa.org prior to mailing in donations.

I have donations, but I am unable to participate in the event. 
You can still turn in donations and be eligible for all the incentives as if you were there the day of Muscle Walk. Simply reach out to musclewalk@mdausa.org for the address to the National MDA office.

What if my company wants to match my donations? 
Contact your company's human resources department to find out if your company has a matching gifts program, or search mda.org/get-involved/matching-gifts. Encourage your donors to do the same.

I am unable participant over Labor Day weekend but would like to fundraise. How do I do this? 
You can still register and fundraise online or make a general donation. Since this is a virtual experience you can walk, run, or make your move when it works in your schedule.

What is the Circle of Strength? 
MDA's Circle of Strength is an exclusive group of participants who go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts. To join the Circle of Strength in 2020, raise $500 or more. As a registered Muscle Walk participant, you will qualify for each of the Circle of Strength items at the $500 and $1,000 fundraising levels, as well as one of prizes based on your fundraising total.